Giant cell tumor
Giant cell tumor (GCT) is a rare, aggressive, non-cancerous tumor that generally occurs near the end of the bones, close to a joint. The knee is the most common site, but it can also occur in the arms, legs, spine, and pelvis. GCTs are characterized by the presence of multinucleated giant cells.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
The symptoms of GCT can vary depending on the location of the tumor. Common symptoms include:
- Pain in the affected area
- Swelling or a lump in the affected area
- Limited range of motion in the affected joint
- Bone fractures
Causes[edit | edit source]
The exact cause of GCT is unknown. It is not associated with any known risk factors or genetic mutations.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of GCT typically involves a physical examination, imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI, and a biopsy to examine the cells under a microscope.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment options for GCT include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy with drugs such as denosumab.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis for GCT is generally good, with a high rate of local recurrence but a low rate of metastasis.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD